Cloud Computing:

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Cloud computing, is it really worth utilizing in an educational setting. In my opinion the positives outweigh the negatives substantially.
First off we will start with the many positives of utilizing the cloud. The cloud allows students to access information at school, home and anywhere as long as they have a device and can connect to the internet. All classes in education can use the cloud from English and math class all the way to physical education and art, with the endless number of apps out there today the possibilities are endless. The cloud also facilitates differentiated instruction and allows students to learn in all kinds of different ways instead of just listening to the teacher lecture or reading a power point. Cloud computing allows students to collaborate and work together even if they aren’t in the same room or building for that matter and it helps them gain organization skills that they will need in the real world.
I must say that I am a firm believer in using the cloud in education but there are some drawl backs. You must have internet access in order to utilize the cloud along with a device to connect to the internet. There are stills homes out there where students don’t have access to the internet and schools that don’t have the devices to facilitate this kind of instruction. Money is another factor, even though most companies offer free space to store things on the internet the schools and students must find a way to have the internet preferably wireless and devices for them to work on. Then there is always the problem with the wifi signal being down with can create a lot of havoc in a classroom. However the pros outweigh the cons and the cloud is something that needs to be utilized in every classroom.
Student production would dramatically increase using the cloud. The cloud would allow diverse learning and facilitate all kinds of learners. By using the cloud students would be using technology skills that will help them prepare for career readiness. The cloud will also help with student collaboration. Let’s face it the students in the classroom are a lot busier than ones 20 years ago many of them have some kind of extracurricular activity almost every evening. The cloud would allow students to work together and collaborate without them being in the same room working.
When using the cloud or the internet for that matter there are always risks with security. It is pertinent that when at school students must be on the county’s secure wireless server and not on their own cellular plans. This way the students are protected from websites they shouldn’t be on and the many viruses and scams that are out there. When at home students should always be under the direct supervision of a parent to make sure that they not somewhere they shouldn’t be.
As mentioned earlier by using the cloud there will be a dramatic increase in student learning. The cloud accommodates many types of learners and creates an authentic learning experience. Students that utilize the cloud can collaborate with other students and professionals in whatever it is they are studying. All in all the cloud is a wonderful thing to use in the classroom and I think all schools should try and incorporate it into their curriculums especially ours.